The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
We got another load of snow after the season’s accumulation melted, so I went out to see what was happening at my favorite part of the Prairie River. Snow takes on surprising shapes at this time of year, with big temperature swings, wind and storms. So when I saw this on the opposite bank today, I got as close as I dared to the ice ledge on my side. I know the area well and so there wasn’t really any danger, but does make me extra careful.
Specific Feedback
There was a lot happening over there and so I constrained the crop substantially and got rid of a few distracting elements on the bank and in the water. Deliberately kept a handheld shutter speed so the water would have some detail in it. Does it work with that or is it too narrow a view?
Lr for conversion to Leica Monochrome which is an in-camera profile it matches. Amped up the contrast a little and also texture, clarity and some sharpening after denoise. A linear gradient mask to even out some of the exposure left to right and then some distraction removal.
I like it. With nothing to show scale it looks more massive than it probably was. If it actually is massive something to show just how big would’ve been great. Really interesting wavy snow shelf. Good decision to keep the detail in the water. I struggle to shoot water faster than 3 secs if its moving lol.
After my initial silky water phase, I have started to include different shutter speeds to accomplish different tasks. With snow, I usually opt for a fast one since it contrasts well with the soft contours and textures of fresh snow. With rocks or ice, especially small slices with ice, I opt for a longer one for the contrast there - frozen water or rocks with gritty texture and smooth flowing water. I also leave it shorter so that any undulations in the water flow can be more evident. Having a few different variations to choose from can also be used to blend shots together - a fast shutter speed shot if there is wind blowing plants around blended with a long shutter speed for flowing water.
Very nicely done, Kris. the wave in the snow is gorgeous and I do like the way the water contours work with it. I think your crop was right on. Your remark above does have me wondering what a really slow shutter speed to smooth the water would look like, but that’s a whole different image.
Hi Kris,
I like the lack of scale in this scene as well as the way the water on the left side of the frame seems to mimic the wave of snow. The crop looks just fine to me as well as your SS choice for the water. My only suggestion; just a personal preference and not a nit; would be to remove those dark spots in the snow towards the ULC. Very nicely done.
Well seen Kristin! I think your crop works well. The snow at the top might be a little bright, but there’s more detail there when I clicked to see it large.
Thanks @Dennis_Plank ~ @Ed_Lowe & @Paul_Holdorf for all your reactions and insight. Keeping detail in snow is tough, but the histogram slider in Lr helps a great deal. However I could do a bit more clean up. Fresh off a big storm always puts down lots of fresh twigs, leaves and cones so it’s literally everywhere.
